While I was in Toronto, I had the pleasure of meeting with some amazing bridal gown designers. Studio/boutique tours have always been on my to-do list for Wedding Obsession, so I guess you can consider this the first! No one deserves this special spot better than the ever talented Canadian bridal gown designer, Sarah Houston.

Located on Hazelton Avenue in Yorkville (Toronto), Sarah’s signature shop has only been in the space for less than a year, but it’s no question that she’s found the perfect fit for years to come. Her gowns are absolutely divine and I’m not joking when I say that I think I fell in love with a few during my visit.

Hung at the entrance of the room filled with dresses on the main floor was a particular piece that caught my eye and I knew I had to get a couple snapshots of this gown so that I could share it with you. Whether it be for a bride who wants to make a chic statement or slip into something more fun and flirty for the reception, this dress is dying to be paired with some sky high heels. Don’t you love it?

Upstairs, the walls are lined with gowns galore. Right down the center is a runway with a mirror at the back. Sarah tells me it’s the one time a bride gets to see herself walk down the aisle, something she never gets to see until she receives her post-wedding photos. One of the most important things about the space is that each bride has to make an appointment and the space is restricted in the number of brides (often only 2 at a time) so that the space is intimate for the bride and those she’s trusted to be there with her. Wedding dress shopping shouldn’t be a spectacle, which you can imagine happens when you’re stuck in a space with numerous other brides.

Sarah Houston gowns are timeless, feminine and often with a vintage spin. She’s definitely not your average ballgown designer. It’s all about the bride’s personality and ensuring it shines through the gown. She works with the bride to create a custom fit so that the bride feels as though the gown was designed just for her. I asked if she enjoys the use of color in wedding gowns and surprisingly she loves it! In fact, a couple of her gowns incorporate a dash of color. Fittingly called “lavender”, the bodice of the gown below is dyed in a beautiful purple hue and covered in ornate beadwork. Love!

Sarah also showed me one of the dressing rooms at the front of the store on the second floor. Very parisian chic. It was important to her that the bride have a quiet area to herself so she could decide on the gown first before opening the floor for advice from family/friends accompanying the bride.

So if you’re an engaged bride in the greater Toronto area, you should definitely set up an appointment to try on some of the wedding gowns. Both Sarah and her daughter Courtney (one of her models and is sometimes at the shop) are absolutely sweet and they really makes you feel at ease.

Thanks for inviting me in to see your space, Sarah xoxo!

24 Hazelton Avenue // Toronto, ON
Phone: (416) 921-8882
Gowns also available in the US & Europe. Please visit website for locations.